Why Believe?
Why God?
The Problem with Suffering
December 3rd, 2025 7:30pm-8:30pm
1536 James Ave Redwood City
Livestream available on our Facebook page @sfpchristadelphian
Exploratory Series: Why Believe?
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God & Science
22 October, 7:30-8:30PM
Join us for our Why Believe? series as John Pople leads us through a look at the relationship between, faith, belief, God, and their relationship with modern science.
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The Bible & Credibility
05 November, 7:30-8:30PMHow can we trust that the Bible is credible? What proofs does it provide that it is, in fact, the word of God? Join us as John Pople takes a look at the credibility of the Bible.
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Why Believe in a World of Unrest and Confusion
19 November, 7:30-8:30PM
While the world around us seems full of unrest and confusion, the Bible offers us a message of hope and better things to come. Join us as Gideon Hewitson looks at how the Bible’s message can guide us through uncertain times.
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Why God? The Problem of Suffering
03 December, 7:30-8:30PM
Have you ever found yourself asking why God would allow something to happen? Why would we believe in a world full of suffering? Join us as John Pople looks to answer this important question.
Presenters
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John Pople
I am a physicist working at the Stanford Synchrotron Radiation Lightsource in California, and a Christian who has demonstrated (at least to myself) that the Bible is a source of wisdom beyond human authorship. I’ve always been fascinated by the unknown, especially in physics, theology and philosophy, and greatly enjoy the rich sense of wonder I experience when at work and at play in those worlds. How does light interact with matter at its most basic level? What are the limitations for a human mind studying itself? How can the ancient story of God’s treatment of Job be embraced? These sorts of questions.
As a consequence, in the theological arena I’m most strongly drawn towards age-old, unsolved mysteries and longstanding perceived injustices. Has science effectively disproved the existence of God? Why should anyone attribute credibility to the Bible, given it is a seemingly random assemblage of books and authors from time periods spanning a millennium? How can belief in a benign God be rational, given the degree of intense suffering in the world? These sorts of questions.
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Gideon Hewitson
By profession, I am a software architect, but more importantly, I am a lifelong Bible student and volunteer supporting the San Francisco Peninsula Christadelphians. My wife and I have always been active in volunteering with Christadelphian communities both locally and around the world. We are currently spending a year in the Bay Area to help build and support this community.
I have been actively studying and presenting seminars and classes on the Bible for the last 10 years, and I have been a baptized disciple of Jesus for 13 years.
I have a passion for sharing the good news of God's word with others—a passion inspired by those who made an impact on me. Through their actions, they helped teach and show me who God and Jesus are. It is my goal to share that experience and make a similar impact on others.